No pictures yet.

I got rid of my 2008 K1200GT. It was a love hate relationship with that bike - I loved the power and acceleration, but disliked the throttle/fuel management at low speed - especially while trying to ride tight technical roads as smoothly as possible. Last September, while riding the bike on my annual get away from work ride, I decided I wanted to go back to a lighter more nimble RT. I was aware of an update coming for the 2010 model year and heard I that throttle management had been addressed.

Our first 2010 bikes came into the store and the demo bike affirmed the changes I wanted in the RT had been made. I really liked what the new heads did for performance. The added torque and slightly higher rev range just added that little bit of oomph I was seeking. To be sure there is a huge difference in power from the GT but I can live with that, and I primarily want the RT as an Iron Butt bike. I am close to retiring and have deferred a few long rides of this type due to my work as I have to be in the store during the prime riding season. That restriction is soon the end. I also wanted a less aggressive bike with better range and, perhaps, more comfort over the long haul.

Anyway that's the rationale for the change, and even though I've had a couple BMW bikes that I considered problem bikes, a K1300S and the K1200GT, I still hold the brand in high regard. I actually considered the new C-14 Concours and the FJR-1300 which are very capable, and in the case of the Kawasaki, quite sophisticated as far as options go and I checked them both out throroughly before I made my decision.

I was impressed with both, however the C-14 no matter how cool it is, just does not have the fuel economy I need, and the FJR-1300 doesn't either; not to mention it is a little long in the tooth. Even with auxiliary fuel cells the Japanese bikes are thirsty - the BMW means I can mount a smaller aux fuel cell and have better range overall. The RT is significantly lighter and more maneuverable, in my opinion, after having demo rides on the others. My friend Bob owns a C-14 and a few of my LD friends ride the FJR - I'd recommend either bike based on their testimony and my evaluation. They simply don't meet my criteria for the type of rides I have planned.

Of course, as my luck holds, the bike I bought has some new model issues however these are being resolved. I rode it to the World SuperBike race in Tooele Utah over Memorial Day weekend and, apart from the issues being addressed, found the range and accommodation of the bike to be exactly what I needed. The redesigned fairing is much more stable in nasty winds than the 2005 RT I owned, and the fuel economy is improved over the previous model as well. Both significant plusses. Best of all the throttle has no snatch to it so the tight technical twisty roads are once again fun to ride.

I'll update as I make modifications.